With Gary’s time on the Koz tour coming to an end after what had already been an action-packed month, we had a few days left to make a few more memories before we packed him up and delivered him to the airport.

From PD we made our way back to Cairns via Palm Cove for a few nights, a seaside village lined with bars, cafes and restaurants and we ended up in Cairns with Di, Dan and Sas again. Despite two previous trips to PD we had never actually been to Cairns which enjoys summer pretty much all year round, and has an endless supply of places to eat and things to do. A perfect escape from the winter that had arrived in Sydney!

Market shopping in Cairns

Another beautiful day in Palm Cove

The last supper

Cairns lagoon at dusk

After a week of sun and chilling out we said goodbye to the McNamara threesome and the original 3 amigos set off for our final destination – Fitzroy Island. In less than an hour from the Cairns marina we were offloaded at the jetty for the Fitzroy Resort where we would spend our last few days camping by the beach. For $32 a night we had beach access within 50m and use of the resort facilities including restaurant, bar, pool and massages!

Fitzroy is very relaxed, and whilst the resort does need a little attention to maintenance, the camping area was well equipped and the atmosphere at the bar on sunset was akin to being in any beach side location around the globe. There are a few walking trails on the island that offer incredible vantage points looking back to the mainland, and the snorkelling was impressive also with a high probability of turtles.

Looking over Nudey Beach

On top of the island as a storm passes over

Our turtle experience didn’t happen in the ocean, but within the turtle recovery centre that operates on the island. This volunteer organisation has been operating for over a decade and a very passionate marine biologist talked us through their program and allowed us to get up close to Rinni, a green turtle currently in recovery from illness.

The majority of turtles they care for are ill because of dietary issues mainly due to having eaten plastic or other foreign objects in the ocean; a significant global issue that is causing so much destruction to wildlife and the environment in which we all live. Our guide shared with us some info on an initiative called Take 3 which encourages people to take 3 pieces of rubbish with them when visiting beaches and waterways in an attempt to reduce the impact our consumerist society is having on the world around us. Please check this out and  consider how you can contribute to the solution. Turtles don’t belong in tiny swimming pools because humans are destructive and lazy.

Rinni the green turtle

Golden Orb Spider – photo credit to Gary!

The last sunset before we head south

So after 38 days on tour it was time to say goodbye to Gaz. What an incredible month it has been travelling with one of our favourite people, compiling a list of memories that will keep us laughing and reminiscing for years. Planning is already underway for the next great adventure but until then it is back to work for Gary and a 2500km drive for us back to Sydney. Adios amigo!